Are you tired of making the same old spaghetti sauce every week? Have you ever wondered if you could use marinara sauce instead?
Well, wonder no more!
In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce, and whether or not you can use marinara as a substitute.
From the basic ingredients to the best ways to use each sauce, we’ve got you covered.
So, grab a fork and let’s dig in!
Can I Use Marinara Sauce For Spaghetti Sauce?
The short answer is yes, you can use marinara sauce for spaghetti sauce.
Marinara sauce is a simple blend of tomatoes and aromatic ingredients such as onions and garlic. It can be used as a spaghetti sauce or with any other type of pasta, as well as be used as a dipping sauce. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, uses all those same base ingredients and then takes it to the next level by adding proteins and/or vegetables. This creates a heartier sauce and is occasionally referred to as a “meat sauce.”
To turn your marinara sauce into a spaghetti sauce, try adding ground beef or turkey, Italian sausage, diced carrots, red or green bell peppers, or shredded zucchini. This will give your marinara sauce a heartier texture and flavor that is perfect for spaghetti.
It’s important to note that while both sauces are made with tomatoes as their base, marinara is not as heavy or flavorful as tomato sauce. So, if you substitute marinara for tomato sauce in a recipe, the flavor and texture of the finished dish will be very different.
What Is Marinara Sauce?
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It is a thinner and simpler sauce that cooks very quickly, usually simmering for only about an hour. The sauce gets its characteristic flavor from the addition of garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and herbs like basil and oregano. While marinara can be made with any type of tomato, varieties of plum or paste tomatoes work best. For a classic version, sweet, low-acid San Marzano tomatoes are often used.
Marinara sauce is a vehicle to deliver the complex flavors of the individual ingredients. It’s a bit less bold than spaghetti sauce, and you can definitely make out individual flavors a bit more. Due to its simple ingredient list, marinara can be used in place of both pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce. However, it tends to work best on long cuts of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, and angel hair.
Marinara sauce can be used in many Italian-American dishes like Chicken Parmesan or Spaghetti and Meatballs. It can also be used beyond Italian cuisine in dishes like Afritada (Spanish-Filipino), Menudo (Filipino), Ratatouille (French), or Shakshuka (Arabic). And of course, marinara makes a great dipping sauce for bread, calamari, mozzarella sticks, or a host of other delectables.
What Is Spaghetti Sauce?
Spaghetti sauce is essentially any sauce that you put on spaghetti. It is a tomato-based sauce that typically includes onions, garlic, and herbs. Traditional spaghetti sauce is often just a more complex marinara sauce that has additional spices and may be made with meat, vegetables, cheese, or other ingredients. Spaghetti sauce is a heartier and more substantial sauce than marinara, as it includes proteins and/or vegetables to create a more filling and flavorful dish.
To prepare spaghetti sauce, you start by sautéing onions and garlic, which helps develop a rich flavor. Once the onions are transparent and the garlic becomes aromatic, you add the meat and extra ingredients the recipe may call for. Spaghetti sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 4-6 months. Before freezing spaghetti sauce, allow the mixture to cool completely and store it in a labeled gallon freezer bag on a flat surface so that it freezes into a flat shape that will store easily.
Differences Between Marinara And Spaghetti Sauce
While both marinara and spaghetti sauce share many of the same ingredients, there are some key differences between the two. Marinara sauce is a simple tomato-based sauce that typically includes a few basic ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It is usually thinner and has a more delicate flavor than spaghetti sauce.
Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, is a heartier sauce that includes additional ingredients such as ground beef or turkey, Italian sausage, or vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. These added ingredients give spaghetti sauce a richer texture and more complex flavor than marinara sauce.
Another key difference between the two sauces is their cooking time. Marinara sauce requires less cooking time than spaghetti sauce since it has fewer ingredients. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, requires a longer cooking time to fully develop its flavors.
Finally, marinara sauce is traditionally used as a dipping sauce or as a topping for pasta dishes like spaghetti or linguine. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, is typically used as a smothering sauce for pasta or other dishes like biscuits.
Tips For Using Marinara Sauce As A Substitute For Spaghetti Sauce
If you’re using marinara sauce as a substitute for spaghetti sauce, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your dish:
1. Add meat or vegetables: As mentioned earlier, spaghetti sauce typically includes proteins and/or vegetables to create a heartier sauce. To achieve this with marinara sauce, try adding ground beef or turkey, Italian sausage, diced carrots, red or green bell peppers, or shredded zucchini. This will give your marinara sauce a more complex flavor and texture.
2. Simmer for longer: While marinara sauce can be made quickly on the stove top in under 30 minutes, if you’re using it as a spaghetti sauce substitute, consider simmering it for longer. This will help the flavors meld together and create a richer, more flavorful sauce.
3. Add more seasoning: Spaghetti sauce often includes additional seasonings such as oregano and basil. If you’re using marinara sauce as a substitute, consider adding these seasonings to enhance the flavor.
4. Consider adding cream: If you want to create a creamier spaghetti sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to your marinara sauce. This will give it a richer texture and flavor.
5. Use the right pasta: While you can use any type of pasta with marinara sauce, spaghetti is the classic choice for a reason. Its long, thin shape pairs perfectly with the texture of the sauce and allows it to cling to the noodles.
By following these tips, you can easily use marinara sauce as a substitute for spaghetti sauce in your favorite recipes. Just remember to adjust your ingredients and cooking time accordingly to achieve the best results.
Recipes Using Marinara Sauce As A Base For Spaghetti Sauce
Using marinara sauce as a base for spaghetti sauce is a quick and easy way to create a delicious meal. Here are some simple recipes that use marinara sauce as a starting point:
1. Classic Spaghetti: Brown ground beef or turkey in a pan, then add marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.
2. Spaghetti and Meatballs: Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into meatballs and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Add the meatballs to a pot with marinara sauce and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.
3. Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers: Brown Italian sausage in a pan, then add sliced red and green bell peppers and onions. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then add marinara sauce and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.
4. Spaghetti with Zucchini and Tomatoes: Saute sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes in olive oil until tender, then add marinara sauce and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.
5. Spaghetti with Carrots and Mushrooms: Saute diced carrots and sliced mushrooms in olive oil until tender, then add marinara sauce and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.
All of these recipes are simple to make and can be customized to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Using marinara sauce as a base for spaghetti sauce is a great way to create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
